Refurbished cast aluminium signage reinstalled at Golden Lane Estate
Beautifully refurbished cast aluminium 3D maps and signs have been reinstalled at Golden Lane Estate (Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, 1953–1962) for City of London Corporation following our signage strategy and refurbishment by Kemp London, the city’s oldest sign-making company.
The distinctive 3D maps were originally produced by Robert W. Coan’s nearby aluminium foundry. The firm (based in Clerkenwell 1902–1969) was a government contractor during the first world war specialising in aviation equipment but also made numerous aluminium novelties.
The typeface – Grotesque No. 9 – was designed by Eleisha Pechey for Stephenson Blake's Sheffield type foundry in 1906. It was particularly popular from the 1940s becoming part of twentieth century culture. See this fantastic “Grot No. 9 in use” page for examples including The Beatles Revolver album art 1966. Link
We were commissioned to map the existing external signs at Golden Lane Estate, which include cast aluminium signs installed soon after the estate was completed. Our signage strategy identifies existing sign types, categorises them by historical significance, consulted residents on additional signs and determined refurbishments. The strategy builds on work by GLERA (Golden Lane Estate Residents’ Association) and others on ease of navigation and accessibility.
